technical data BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 Workshop Manual

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Even in winter, when the hardtop may
be in constant use, the fabric top does
not need to be removed. Before storing
the fabric top in the convertible top
compartment, it must be absolutely dry
to prevent the formation of water and
mildew spots.
Two persons are required for mounting
and removal. Use extreme care when
working to prevent paint damage and
damage to the body and hardtop.
To make it easier to mount and remove
the hardtops, you can purchase a spe-
cially developed hardtop lift
* from your
BMW Retailer.
MountingLower the side windows and remove
the rod antenna if necessary to prevent
damage.
Unlock the convertible top compart-
ment lid on vehicles with manual con-
vertible top operation, or open the con-
vertible top compartment lid slightly
with the convertible top operating but-
ton on vehicles with electric convertible
top operation, as illustrated.
Remove the trim pieces on both sides
and then close the convertible top com-
partment lid again.Before positioning the hardtop on the
car, fold down the covers below the
interior lamps at the left and right and
open the locking levers outward.
Now, with somebody elseÕs help, posi-
tion the hardtop on the mounts.
Close the locking lever at the back by
turning it inward (arrow) up to the stop
behind the trim.
As with the fabric top, fold out the lock-
ing handle inside and lock the hardtop
at the front by turning the handle until it
audibly engages.36cde018
36cde019
Hardtop* Ð Convertible

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Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires have
been selected to provide optimum
safety and driving comfort on your vehi-
cle.
In a very real sense, both tire life and
your own safety are riding on correct
tire specifications and inflation pres-
sures.
Incorrect inflation pressures are a fre-
quent cause of tire damage. To a great
extent it also influences the ability of
your BMW to hold the road.a
Check the tire pressures Ð also in
the spare tire Ð at least every two weeks,
and before every extended trip.
Incorrect inflation pressures can also
lead to tire damage and accidents.c
Tire tread - tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
The tread depth should not be less than
0.12 in (3 mm). Otherwise there is an
increased risk of aquaplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with
only small amounts of water on the
road.
We recommend that you always replace
the tires once the tread wears to 0.12 in
(3 mm). Once the tread has worn to
0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread depth indica-
tors appear.a
Never continue driving on a deflat-
ed (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over the
vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permitted load on the tires is not ex-
ceeded. This can cause overheating and
gradual internal damage. The ultimate
result can assume the form of a sudden
air loss.Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect,
as can variations in normal vehicle
response, such as a pronounced ten-
dency to pull to the left or right. Should
this occur, you should respond by
immediately reducing your speed and
carefully proceeding to the nearest
BMW Retailer or professional tire cen-
ter, or having the vehicle towed in to
have it and its tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.c
Tire inflation pressures Tire tread

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Tires and wheelsUse only BMW-approved tires.
Due to the high speeds which this vehi-
cle can reach, the use of specific
brands, specifications and dimensions
is mandatory. Consult any BMW
Retailer for details.
Observe national, provincial and state
regulations.
The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire. The essential data for
radial tires are as follows:The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h)
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Use screw-on valve stem caps to
protect the tire valves against dirt. Dirt
in the valves frequently leads to slow
leaks.Example:Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Type of radial-code
letter for radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R 15 91 H
Codes on steel/light-alloy wheels:
7 J x 15 H 2
Hump width (inches)
Code letter for
flange type
Denotes
drop-center rim
Rim diameter (inches)
Hump of 2 rim shoulders
The right choice

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b
Size 185/65 R 15 88 T tires are
only for the BMW 318i Sedan.c
b
Sizes 225/55 R 15 92 V,
225/55 R 92 Q, T, H M+S, 225/50 ZR 16.
These tires are not suitable for use with
snow chains.c
ModiÞcations to the vehicle are required
before retrofitting tires in the above
dimensions.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.The use of fine-link BMW snow chains
*
on summer or winter tires is only per-
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
Always observe the tire manufacturerÕs
safety recommendations when fitting. Tire speciÞcations Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel Rim offset
(mm)
BMW 318is Coupe, 318i Convertible, 318i Sedan
185/65 R 15 88 T 6 J x 15 H2 Ð 42
185/65 R 15 88 Q, T M+S
6 J x
15 H2
Ð42
205/60 R 15 91 H
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
225/55 R 15 92 V
6g Jx15
H2 7 J x 15 H2 47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
225/50 ZR 16 Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
Approved wheels and tires

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b
Size 225/50 ZR 16 tires are not
suitable for use with snow chains.c
ModiÞcations to the vehicle are required
if retrofitting these tires.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.The use of fine-link BMW snow chains
*
on summer or winter tires is only per-
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
Always observe the tire manufacturerÕs
safety recommendations when fitting. Tire speciÞcations Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel Rim offset
(mm)
BMW 328is Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sedan
205/60 R 15 91 H Ð 7 J x 15 H2 47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
225/50 ZR 16 Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
Approved wheels and tires

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1 Fuse box
2 Brake ßuid reservoir
3 Engine oil dipstick
4 Coolant expansion tank
5 Engine oil Þller neck
6 Supply tank for headlamp washer
*
and windshield washer system
7Battery
Engine compartment BMW 318i, 318is

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1 Fuse box
2 Engine oil dipstick
3 Brake ßuid reservoir
4 Power steering oil reservoir
5 Coolant expansion tank
6 Engine oil Þller neck
7 Supply tank for headlamp washer
*
and windshield washer system
8 Auxiliary terminal for jump starting
Engine compartment BMW 323i, 323is, 328i, 328is

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Measure the oil level:
1 Pull out dipstick and wipe off with a
lint-free cloth, paper tissue, etc.
2 Push the dipstick all the way into the
guide tube and pull it out again.
3 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
Add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower graduation before add-
ing oil. Never wait until the oil drops
below the lower mark.
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approxi-
mately 1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill
to beyond the upper mark on the dip-
stick. Excess oil harms the engine.
Because it would be consumed within a
short period, it would also result in an
abnormally high rate of oil consump-
tion.a
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives; the use of ad-
ditives could lead to damage in some
cases. This also applies to the manual
and automatic transmissions, the differ-
ential and the power steering system.c
Engine oil specificationsAlways refer to the API specifications
when selecting oil.
Required quality:
API SH
API-SH/CD
API-SH/CEViscosity ratingsViscosity = Oil flow rating according to
SAE class.
Select the SAE viscosity rating accord-
ing to the average seasonal air temper-
ature.
Consult the table on the following page
to determine the correct SAE viscosity.
You can continue to operate the vehicle
for short periods of time at tempera-
tures beyond the range for the SAE rat-
ing of the oil being used.A
Always observe all environmental
protection guidelines and regulations
when disposing of used oil.c
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW Retailer.
360de096
Engine oil

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Coolant level with engine cold: up to
the KALT/COLD mark on the transpar-
ent coolant expansion tank.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the prescribed
all-season 50:50 mixture ratio for year-
round protection against internal corro-
sion. No other additives are required.
Replace the coolant every three years.
To add coolantWait until the engine cools before re-
moving the cap from the expansion
tank. Before unscrewing the cap, en-
sure that the needle on the temperature
gauge is in the blue sector to avoid
scalding.
dStart by turning the cap counter-
clockwise. Pause to allow any accu-
mulated pressure to escape, then
open.
dAdd coolant up to the KALT/COLD
mark. Excess coolant drains off
through the overßow line.a
Do not add coolant while the
engine is hot.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved nitrite and amino-free
long-term antifreeze and corrosion
protectant. Your authorized BMW
Retailer is familiar with the official
specifications.
Antifreeze with corrosion protectant is
toxic. Always store in original contain-
ers only, keeping them tightly closed.
Store well out of reach of children.
When disposing of it, observe the
applicable environmental protection
laws.Long-term antifreeze and corrosion
protectant contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. You should
therefore avoid spilling it on hot engine
components, as it could catch fire and
cause serious burns.c
A
Observe the applicable environ-
mental protection laws when disposing
of used antifreeze.c
360de099Coolant